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range of cast-iron commitments were made to the electorate. Chief among them was a promise to cap the cost of childcare at €200 a month. We were told that childcare costs were at the top of Fianna Fáil's agenda, while Fine Gael promised to publish … plan to cap costs and deliver a public model of childcare within the first 100 days of office. A full 475 days later, where are we now? Childcare costs have not come down by a single cent. Families with young children are still paying enormous sums for childcare

terms of childcare more generally, there has been very significant progress made in childcare in the last number of years. Again, Deputy Cairns will not acknowledge that, but it is the reality in terms of both reduction of costs and, indeed, the increase in the numbers of children … availing of the various programmes we have. In terms of the national childcare scheme, about 277,000 children will be supported this year. That is an increase of 27,000 children in just one year. Income thresholds are rising from September of this year, from

chun déileáil leis an gceist seo. In the election in 2024 his party and mine made a commitment to reduce the cost of childcare. This is an important tenet and in the Dún Laoghaire constituency childcare was one of the major issues people were talking to me about … They were essentially paying a second mortgage to put their children into childcare. It is an enormous cost and an enormous burden on households. The proposed reduction we promised in the election was therefore welcome. It was proportionate and also doable. I recognise the work that has gone

Deputy Foley. It was a pre-election commitment by both our parties but massive inroads have been made into reducing the cost of childcare. I remember hearing debates in here where it was frequently described as a second mortgage. We have significantly reduced the cost of childcare … conditions. The Minister is aware a small number of services have regrettably chosen to withdraw from core funding. The Department, through the local childcare committees, CCCs, engages directly with any such service to highlight the benefits of staying in core funding, not only for their service but also

childcare is a major cost of living for many working families across this country. In too many cases, parents are paying a second mortgage in childcare fees while others are struggling to even find a place for their children. Many community and small providers are barely getting … while educators are leaving the sector day by day. At the same time, we hear that a major childcare chain is being sold to a UK investment firm for €75 million, a chain that has come to Leinster House with its begging bowl and lobbied hard

promising things is just part of electioneering. It is not. People believed the Taoiseach when he said there would be a reduction in childcare fees. People believed this Government when it promised to roll out a plan for a public model of childcare. I just hope that people … Taoiseach says I will not acknowledge progress and is talking about workers in this sector. Does he acknowledge that workers in the childcare sector have the same level of training and qualifications as other teachers but get paid minimum wage and in the summer months have to sign

compare like for like and that we have to look at working families and their budgets in the round. He has consistently referenced childcare as an area where he wants to support working families. Every week, I speak, as I know the Tánaiste does, to families, women … services about the cost of childcare and about provision. Today, with Deputy Carrigy, I met with Longford Women's Link. I know the Tánaiste is completely committed to reducing childcare fees to €200 per month over the next four years but the wider reform I spoke of earlier

raise the lack of childcare in north Kildare, where there is a growing population. Will the Minister provide an update on State-led childcare, which is desperately needed to address the shortages in towns like Kilcock, Maynooth and Naas? I get multiple emails each week from people … struggling to get childcare in their areas and want to get back into the workforce. Many of them are mothers who are sacrificing their own careers. Often, both parents are struggling in this situation. I welcome that the State is for the first time pushing towards introducing State

Government produced. It is indefensible. A great deal needs to be done to address these issues. Other measures that are needed include affordable childcare, another matter in respect of which the Government broke all its promises. During the election campaign, Simon Harris promised that within 100 days … Government being formed, there would be a proper roadmap in place for affordable childcare in order to get the cost down to €200 a month. Of course, that was not produced. In the budget, there were no measures to reduce the cost of childcare for families. That

year that gives nothing by way of a permanent, public asset in return. Talk about poor value for money. In the area of childcare, there are similarly huge subsidies for the private sector. Why are we not building up public housing and public childcare models? These things would … That is spin. It is completely untrue and he knows it is untrue. We have set out detailed proposals, whether for a public childcare model, for a State construction company, and for solar for all. There are clear, detailed policies, but this Government is showing an absolute reluctance

areas. I met them in the context of higher education. The commitment in the programme for Government is clear. We want to get childcare to €200 per child per month in the lifetime of the Government. The Deputy is right that fees and the cost to families make … part of it, but there is also building the system and reform. I would like in the next budget to make progress on childcare costs but also make progress in the roadmap. In fairness to our colleague, the Minister, Deputy Foley, some important steps have been taken

There are a lot of young families where both parents are working. We need to make sure we provide support for them through childcare so they can continue in their work. As he said, some of Kilcock is in my constituency so I am very aware … have. He mentioned that we as a Government and our party, Fine Gael, advocated strongly before coming into government for a State-led childcare scheme that would fill the gaps where we do not have services, where it is not possible for private providers to expand or grow

there is a terrible event that happens - a murder or a manslaughter - measures are immediately put in place in order to put a childcare plan in place for the children. Obviously, the guardianship issue can be dealt with at a later stage but there is literally an immediate … going to care for the children on the night or for the following number of weeks. That is an issue where the Childcare Act already operates. Deputy Farrelly made points in relation to the Ombudsman for Children and Tusla. There was criticism of Tusla by a number

thank the Deputy. I believe that a proper publicly supported childcare system that works and has enough places, access and affordability is key, not just as an equality issue or a social issue - though it is both - but as an economic issue. It is an important issue. There … this House, at least on the destination we want to get to. We have made progress. Any parent who uses the national childcare subsidy scheme knows that scheme provides more funding and support now than it used to. People know that core funding has increased. People know

even though she did not speak any Irish. She had to get grinds in the UAE. Then there are similar difficulties with childcare for the youngest daughter. There is an issue for my generation, in particular. I am 36. Many my friends and a lot of people … back here. There should be assistance there and a pathway for them to come home. That could involve assisting with securing accommodation, education, childcare - basic fundamentals in which the State has a role. Certainly, the HSE should be looking to try to help more Irish medical professionals

something we are committed to doing. We have made very clear that we have plans when it comes to reducing overall costs for childcare, something that can be like an extra mortgage for people, but that we also need to look at overall access to childcare. That … they need it now. We also have significant plans through our investment and infrastructure plan, and other plans whether they be for childcare

major cost for those with children attending primary and secondary school. We have expanded the free hot school meals programme. We have expanded childcare and we need to do more on the childcare front. We have the €280 new baby grant, for example. Hospital inpatient charges were abolished … child poverty. We want to do that consistently over time. We also want to make sure we can reduce the cost of childcare and look again at what we can do in healthcare. Can we add to measures we have taken previously with HRT, free contraception

break and a chance to get ahead and not just get by, tax is a part of it. Other costs, like childcare, are part of it. Also, how can we structurally try to reduce energy costs? The budget will need to look at all of this … round. Tax is a part of it, but so too is whether we can make permanent structural cost reductions in key areas like childcare

been spent on Blanchardstown. He might just keep me in mind for the courthouse in Portlaoise. The programme for Government commits to reducing childcare costs by €200 per month per child. I understand work is planned in phase 2 of the affordability measures. Will the Taoiseach confirm these … measures will include the long-term goal of delivering that €200 monthly cost reduction? I acknowledge the €135 million allocated for State-led childcare, the acquisition of buildings this year and the Building Blocks exchange scheme. However, capacity and affordability remains a crisis in my constituency of Laois

level of State investment in early learning by about 12%. We cannot do everything in one budget. This is a five-budget Government. Childcare is a key issue; it is in the programme for Government. All three parties in the Government are committed to it. Decisions were taken … budget in October to see how much further we can progress the commitment in the programme for Government to reduce the costs of childcare to people in line with the objective of the programme for Government

fides on this topic. I started by acknowledging the work that has been done. I believe the commitment to reduce the cost of childcare was a serious and sincere one. Insofar as I have had any dealings with the people who fund the programme for Government, I believe … facilitated in continuing. We do not need to show this facility the merits of the scheme. We need to meet the problems this childcare centre has and address the legitimate, identifiable and verifiable concerns raised about the cost of doing business

going to repeat the point about engagement with the city and county childcare committees to show facilities the merits of being in the scheme, but obviously the people the Deputy is talking about are, first of all, educators. This is 100% why they are in this area. They … very valid question to ask. I totally agree with the Deputy that we need to plough on and continue this momentum in reducing childcare fees. It is a commitment we gave and we need to continue with this work. I thank the Deputy again for raising this issue

gambling and the potential risks posed to minors. Deputy Michael Cahill - To discuss the rising costs of living across housing, energy, insurance, childcare and essential services and long-term affordability for households in Ireland. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil - To discuss social infrastructure provision in Kildare North. Deputy Robert … Deputy Séamus McGrath - To discuss the recruitment process for the Defence Forces. Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss support mechanisms for families when their childcare centre withdraws from the core funding model. Deputy Colm Burke - To discuss the establishment of a national radiation therapy equipment replacement programme. Deputy

believe in childcare for the development of the child primarily. Anything we do in the area of childcare or early education should be about the child as the primary issue, actually. I know a lot about Montessori and I know all about early education because I was involved

suspect quite a few people voted for Fine Gael in the most recent election because it promised that it would reduce childcare costs for everybody to €200 per month. It has spectacularly failed to deliver on that promise, which is a very serious cost-of-living issue … very clear that those places are not going to be €200 either, despite the Government's promise. When is it going to deliver childcare costs of €200 per month for everybody? At the moment, it is failing a lot of parents very seriously

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of childcare places currently available in County Kerry, broken down by childcare setting and age category; the number of children currently on waiting lists for childcare places in the county; and if she will

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether optimal level of community childcare targets are set; the specific plans to develop more community childcare in each specific county childcare committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36974/26

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the steps her Department is taking to improve access to the national childcare scheme for children at risk of poverty who had more access to childcare under the former community childcare subvention scheme; and if she will

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the average processing time for sponsored childcare referrals under the national childcare scheme; the steps being taken to address significant delays reported by community childcare providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37006/26

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the engagement her Department has had with childcare providers regarding the availability of part-time or flexible places under the national childcare scheme; whether supports or incentives are available to encourage providers to offer more flexible childcare

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current part-time, sessional, or school-age childcare providers and full-day childcare, both community and private, in Dublin, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39005/26

sector due to the requirement from September 2027, for home based childminders to register in order for families to access the national childcare scheme; and the measures she will take to prevent a loss of childcare capacity. [39638/26

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her attention has been drawn to childcare capacity shortages in Causeway, County Kerry; the measures being taken to increase childcare places in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39952/26

Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding the national childcare scheme (NCS), in particular on circumstances arising in a situation (details supplied); and her plans to amend section 4(3) of the Childcare Support Act 2018 to ensure that

Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she is aware of the impact of repeated childcare room closures in County Meath (details supplied); and the actions her Department is taking to address staffing retention, accountability, and childcare provision in growing commuter towns throughout

Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if childcare providers in receipt of core funding are obliged under their funding agreement to maintain continuity of services for enrolled families; the obligations that exist where a provider changes the age cohorts it caters for, resulting … families losing access to childcare services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36751/26

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the role the local city and county council's and the community childcare committees have in providing local community childcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36973/26

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the interaction that takes place between county childcare committees and city and county councils to provide community childcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36977/26

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of early years education settings and childcare settings that have pulled out of CORE funding for each Dublin community childcare catchment area, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department has examined alternative funding models for community childcare, including funding childcare places rather than hourly capitation per child; whether a "poverty premium" has been considered to reflect enhanced supports provided in disadvantaged settings

Children, Disability and Equality what assessment has been carried out on the risk of closure or reduction in opening hours of community childcare services following the withdrawal of CCS and full implementation of the national childcare scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37005/26

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the level of consultation she has had with childcare providers in relation to the Government's commitment to reduce childcare fees; if she will outline the details on all regional and national consultation events being held

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 2493 of 14 April 2026, if she will outline when local county childcare committees will receive funding for applications submitted under the early learning and childcare capital programme; and if she will make a statement

Smith asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the way in which her Department plans to tackle the issue of children attending childcare facilities on a part-time basis (details supplied) and are charged full time rates and as a result are paying more in childcare fees

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding any support mechanisms in place to support families whose childcare facilities have withdrawn from the core funding model, specifically in relation to the knock-on price increase for childcare; and if she will make

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if the core funding model for childcare is under review to reflect the number of childcare centres withdrawing from the model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34685/26

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether she considers it fair or reasonable that under the current Core Funding banding system, a childcare service falling marginally into a higher band (for example, by a matter of minutes) results in parents being charged significantly higher weekly fees, despite … additional childcare being provided; and if she will review the banding thresholds to address such anomalous outcomes. [34941/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of childcare providers currently classified within each Core Funding band; the number of families impacted by band threshold differences; and whether her Department has conducted any assessment of the financial impact on families whose childcare

Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she recognises the financial pressure faced by families with multiple children in childcare where reduced hours of care lead to higher overall costs under the national childcare scheme; whether changes are planned to ensure the scheme supports

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has received representations from families in north County Dublin regarding the lack of flexible childcare options under the national childcare scheme; the policy or operational changes planned to address these concerns; and if she will make a statement